How the Sox and Dodgers teamed up to #VoteAndre

You guys came through big time for Matt Kemp, vaulting him into the starting lineup at the All-Star Game so your help is needed once more this week.

With 10 teams in baseball starting to put on a campaign to vote for their respective player in the Final Vote, we want to use every advantage we can and that’s how the Dodgers and White Sox (and Inside the Dodgers and Inside the White Sox) have teamed up to help our players.

When the Final Vote players were named yesterday, we immediately heard from Scott Reifert, the VP of Communications at the White Sox and the guy behind Inside the White Sox. His blog was the inspiration for this one and he’s always thinking creatively, so we immediately set out to join forces and help our guys. It works out great that not only do we share a Spring Training complex at Camelback Ranch, but both guys are Arizona natives.

Many of you probably remember Konerko from his days as a top Dodger prospect who was traded back in 1997 for Jeff Shaw (who, coincidentally, joined the Dodgers during the All-Star Break and wore the Dodger uniform for the first time at the All-Star Game). This game clearly means a lot to both guys, as you can imagine what it might be like to grow up and have the opportunity to play an All-Star Game in front of your home crowd.

Both guys recorded videos today for one another and there’s all sorts of campaigning going on this week, so please help Andre and vote as often as possible at dodgers.com.

Hi, it’s me, Nellyjune!!! I had been voting for Paul the whole time, but when I found out the White Sox fans were pulling for Andre, I thought that was a great thing they were doing. Glad I made a good choice. I have been voting since it started, 16 times at time, but as often as I can. I was doing it pretty much non-stop during the entire gnats/Padres game (16 votes at a time). I normally do not vote like this, but when I found out the Cryin’ Hawaiian was leading this morning, I find that unacceptable – lol!!!! Out of the two of them, Andre deserves it more, so I will vote until they tell me I can’t.

I see Ned sent Gordon down. He was one of the few that actually added some excitement to this dreary bunch. Nice we have Fecal and Velez though. Now Ned can trade Dee so he can save our season.
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What a freakin joke this organization is.

Gordon should be playing everyday at the ML level, Who can honestly say at this stage of his poor broken down career that Furcal is a better alternative? The ONLY way I can accept this move is if Fecal gets traded here in a couple weeks and they’re using this time to “showcase” him (if that’s even possible.) Although, Ned’s already on record saying he wants to be a buyer, not a seller at the trade deadline.

But shad, how are players ever going to develop if they’re not allowed to play (and fail at times?) This season was over before it started. Now’s the time to get rid of all the worthless vets and see just what you have got in the minors so that you can plan for next year and the season beyond. If Gordon can’t cut it, wouldn’t it be better to find out now rather than next season when you haven’t got anyone else? Same with Sands. Same with Robinson. My God, if players have to produce from day one, they NEVER will have any young players stick coming up from within the organization.

Sellout. Fhaw. Blocks of seats with no one in them in the Loge Deck, wrapped around the foul poles. Regardless:
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Game 44 attendance (2010): 43,790
Today’s attendance courtesy of sparkle: 56,000
Greater than last year = 7 / Less than last year = 36
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Games less than 30,000 this season – 6
Games less than 30,000 in 2005 – 2010: none
Last game was 9/14/2004 – 29,704
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Lowest attended game of the year: Game 8 – 27,439
Largest single game drop: Game 18 (55,662 – 28,419 = 27,243)
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2010 attendance (44 games) – 1,967,496 (44,716 average)
2011 attendance (44 games) – 1,607,623 (36,537 average) #10 in MLB
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Drop of 359,873 total
Average drop of 8179
Extrapolated for 81 games – 662,493
Projected 2011 final attendance – 2,959,488
2010’s final attendance – 3,562,318 (#3 in MLB)
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Next game’s (45) attendance in 2010 – 49,016

Hi’Ya Mom and Dad. Hope you and your families enjoyed your 4th of July. Thanks for the attendance status update. Yep Nelly, tomorrow should get back to normal. Hell, Frank practically gave the tickets away for todays game. What was it, $24.00 for a $130.00 field seat and $14.00 for a $70.00 loge seat. And 4 bucks for the upper deck. I think they will take a big hit tomorrow night.

If I have to read one more story where any coach or player says they’re “grinding” (this time it was Miles)… How about more than one or two guys on the team that can actually play BASEBALL?!! From what I’ve seen, this team is at the absolute ZENITH of its ability, and Ned still wants to be a buyer? Oh please please Ned get us Carlos Beltran for Gordon, Sands and Lee.
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Then you’ve got Frank practically giving away tickets to get some people in the stands to make attendance look good for the bankruptcy court and his creditors.
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THis whole mess just makes you sick.

LOS ANGELES – A 12-year-old girl was hospitalized today with a severe eye injury that she suffered when someone set off illegal fireworks at a Fourth of July party in South Los Angeles, authorities said.
The incident occurred in the 600 block of West 42nd Place late Monday night, said Los Angeles Fire Department Brian Humphrey spokesman.

Witnesses said the girl was playing with a sparkler in front of her home when someone apparently set off a firecracker, injuring her right eye. Humphrey said she was rushed to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Los Angeles police officers were investigating the circumstances of the accident, he said. The personal use of fireworks is illegal in Los Angeles.

Random thoughts for a Tuesday afternoon: I was at the game last night and it was clearly the largest crowd of any game I have attended this season. Yes, there were some empty seats and I did notice people coming into my section late in the game to find seats. The crowd was in a festive mood as might be expected and no doubt the post game fireworks are always a big draw on the 4th. Not sure how many realized Rubby had a no no for 5 innings but that went away quickly. And yes, the fans did boo as the Mets scored and at the end of the game. I could not help but notice the Mets had 3 runs on three hits while the Dodgers had two runs on 6 hits but such is the way with the Dodgers. I also noticed something else: when the Mets were up at bat there were no images of the Met hitter on the video board as I recall in the past. In place of those images was a steady stream of promos for tickets, upcoming games, food and other such stuff. I also noticed the Dodgers were offering $4.00 reserved seat tickets for the July 26th game, a Fernando bobblehead giveaway. The catch is the tickets could only be purchased at Dodger Stadium ticket booths. The fireworks display was first class as always and we did see a few new wrinkles. Most of the fans stayed for the show and many took the opportunity to go on to the field after the game although I think the view is better from the stands. The game went the way they have been going recently: the Dodgers get runners on base but cannot drive them in. Miles had two opporunities early in the game to drive in runs but made out and then came up late in the game with nobody on base and hits an opposite field double. Uribe did his usual thing swinging at first pitches and Andre could not get the ball out of the infield against a lefty. Kemp crushed the first pitch he saw for a double but could not do much after that although he was walked once intentionally. Anyway, being at the ballpark on the 4th is still a great place to be in spite of all the issues but I admit try as we might, it is darned hard to not think about all the other crap going on with the Dodgers as they continue to lose games.

Good grief. What a crock of shit. If you’re going to rest Andre, it should be against a lefty. Miles should be playing 3rd, Carroll at 2nd, and Uribes’ fat ass polishing pine. What a joke!!!!! At least we don’t have to be subjected to Navarro.

I was not surprised Gordon was sent down; after all, he does have options. He was not hitting the ball well and there is no sense having him sit and watch games from the bench. I like Furcal and hope he does well but I concur with the idea of trying to deal him for prospects if the opportunity presents itself. Dee did not have a good game Saturday but he will be back and let’s hope he comes back a better hitter. I will admit when I learned about Blake going back on the DL I thought it was another of those convenient DL visits but clearly Gordon is not a bench player and there is no logic to having him try third base while he is struggling a bit offensively.

Yes, he needs to play every day. He’s still got a lot to learn, but seems to have the aptitude for learning. Hopefully, Dee is like Kershaw, who wants to get better every time out no matter how well he is doing.

No need to apologize birk, this line up save Kemp is pure USDA crap from top to bottom. If crap took a look at this like up, it’d say crap.
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BTW, I thought Lilly was hurt. If I’d have known he was going to pitch I’d have personally made sure he was hurt. Tru, I bet we’re down 5 runs after the first couple innings.
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But I guess I shouldn’t worry, they’re all “grinders.”
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What I wouldn’t give for a few movers and shakers though…

I have a new topic of conversation. This is for Josh who says that the front office and management listens to comments here on ITD. I seriously doubt that due to the actions of not having a security supervisor and cutting costs in that area when it was mentioned here and elsewhere how it was an issue.
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It’s called “Hey Josh”.
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Hey Josh — So if Frank feels that this would be the same team fielded by him & Ned that would be assembled whether he had the issues that are going on or not is he now second guessing that statement?

Hey Josh — Doesn’t the management and Frank think it’s important to come out and apologize to the fans and address the issues of the organization on here or anywhere else — I mean if this is important to them?

That’s it Beav! See maybe with these questions since Frank “cares” about the fans & they “listen” to the comments on this blog, these questions will be answered. I like listing them 1 at a time. There are so many I can’t recall them all.

What would happen if the Dodgers players refused to play? I know, I know, it would be hard to tell the difference, but what if they just plain didn’t come to the ballpark in protest of Frank’s ownership? You know, in solidarity with the fans.

The decision was kind of made for me as my son has a baseball tourney in Las Vegas, but I am saddened to the fact that I had to hope for this so I wouldn’t have to make a decision on whether to go to Andre’s Bobblehead night. I have been voting non-stop when I can for Andre to get a chance to go home to the ASG, and I will continue to do so. As Frank drags this team further and further into baseball hell, at least us fans will have some pleasure in seeing Matt, Kersh, and hopefully Andre, play in the ASG.

Last year we past 2 million in attendance at game 45. We’re not going to hit that for what, 9 – 10 games? We hit 3 million at game 67 last year. With a little help, we won’t get there at all this season.
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Game 45 attendance (2010): 49,016
Today’s attendance courtesy of trumom: 32,329
Greater than last year = 7 / Less than last year = 37
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Games less than 30,000 this season – 6
Games less than 30,000 in 2005 – 2010: none
Last game was 9/14/2004 – 29,704
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Lowest attended game of the year: Game 8 – 27,439
Largest single game drop: Game 18 (55,662 – 28,419 = 27,243)
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2010 attendance (45 games) – 2,016,512 (44,811 average)
2011 attendance (45 games) – 1,639,952 (36,443 average) #10 in MLB
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Drop of 376,560 total
Average drop of 8368
Extrapolated for 81 games – 677,808
Projected 2011 final attendance – 2,951,914
2010’s final attendance – 3,562,318 (#3 in MLB)
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Next game’s (46) attendance in 2010 – 45,398

Random thoughts for a Tuesday evening (or Wednesday morning depending on how fast I type)……….thanks birk:
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Just saw a preview for “Moneyball”. There’s a line that Brad Pitt says in describing the A’s, (I’m paraphrasing) “There are winners and losers and 50 feet of crap…….then there’s us.” Remind you of anyone?
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Hey Josh, why does the owner hate Ethier so much that he put his bobblehead in that ugly-ass throwback uni?
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I really wish Kemp wasn’t doing the home run thing.
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Another stupid “Poor Ned” story:

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Oh, speaking of that idiot, has anyone else noticed that the guy with the “bacon-neck” on that horrible Hanes commercial with Michael Jordon is a dead-ringer for Ned?
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Well, I either typed fast enough or ran out of thoughts. G’night.

Good Morning. Yes, Josh, why is Andre is the ugly-ass uni for his bobblehead night?!
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Just wondering is I can get a refund from Directv for my MLB Extra Innings?! ;-) I so wanted to watch each and every Dodger game but, I think I’m getting an ulcer.

Yep Trumom, this season for me has come down to rooting for the Reds and Indians. Also, I’m pulling for the D’backs and Kirk Gibson to win the division and take out the G’nats. The way this season is going, if we can just help derail the VaGiants playoff hopes, I will be somewhat consoled.

Yep, Rocks are fine too. Anyone but the VaGiants. I sure would love to dump Urine’ and Fecal on the VaGiants. I really wouldn’t wish that pair of dung on anyone else except the Red Sox, Yankees, or Cardinals.

Wonder how long it’s been since our Dodgers finished LAST in the division, or have we even ever done that since coming to LA? I was forecasting a fourth place finish at the beginning of the season, and I’m still thinking that we should be able to accomplish that at least. It’s not exactly like we’re operating with a small market payroll – it’s just that it’s being misspent so badly by Ned, which has not been unusual in the least. Just like looking at Garland as the latest example. Apparently everybody knew that Garland was likely to come down with exactly the arm problem that has now finished the season for him. Ned however goes and gives him $5 million – no great event taken all by itself, but Ned has a penchant for doing that type of thing repeatedly; yet the pundits always want to give Ned some credit for his efforts. As far as I’m concerned Ned has always been a worthless asshole and is unlikely to improve EVER.

The LA Dodgers finished last place only once – in 1992. Our record was 63-99, which was nine games behind the fifth place Giants.
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Thanks to Frank and Ned, the Dodgers will likely run off a string of last place finishes from 2011 through 2014. Time to rebuild.

Garland – shesh. Only one in the world who couldn’t see that one coming was Ned. So, let’s add another $5M to the wasted catagory. And of course there’s Padilla. Guess Ned couldn’t see that one coming either. Then there’s Fecal, who’s never played a full season in blue, but you know Ned. Then there’s Schmidt. Ooh, and Nomar and Andruw. Oops, almost forgot Mueller. Manny of course, but his malady was, shall we say, different from all the others. None of these guys were healthy signs, yet Ned went ahead and signed them anyway at $192M. And this doesn’t even count Pierre, Uribe, et al who were healthy, but just plain suck.
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Say whay you will about Frank (I know I have), but no one’s hurt the team itself more than Ned.

Hey Josh–How about a new thread with one of those great pictures you were creaming over on the last thread. That and your usual paragraph or two of fluff about shit we really could not care less about to avoid addressing the real issues of the franchise.

I am assuming that Ethier and Miles will not be playing tonight. Also Shams is still gimpy, not that he is a good choice even when he is healthy. It’s time to DFA him and bring Sands back up. Nobatro is a total waste of a roster spot. I think the best we can do tonight is:
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Carroll 2B
Furcal SS
Kemp CF
Loney 1B
Ellis C
Uribe 3B
Oeltjan RF
Gwynn LF
Kuroda P

Sands would only fill one hole. We need help at catcher, ss, 2b, 3b, 1b, at least two starting pitchers, and four-five relievers. Ned needs to trade away Kuroda, Fecal, Uribum, Piles, Carroll, Loney, Broxton, Lilly, McDooDoo, Hawksworth, etc. in exchange for a buncha young prospects that can fill those holes either now or within the next three years.

I agree STT. One player is not going to make a significant impact on this dung heap. I’d just like to see players with an upside playing instead of the fill in shit like Thames and Velez that have no future. This team is so far down the sewer that it will take 2 to 3 years minimum to get it even competitive again. I think they should be grooming Sands to play 1B next year. I think Loney will be non-tendered this off season as he is already over paid for what he brings to the table at first base and he will be going to arbitration looking for a raise. Same with Broxton. Frank or whomever is going to have to cut payroll somewhere as Kemp and Kershaw are going to get significant raises in arbitration. Ethier will also be in line for a raise as well.

Josh, please understand none of this anger is directed at your personally and many of us can only imagine how difficult it must be for you, especially in your official capacity as a spokesperson for the Dodgers. But while you are at it, I would like to know if Frank McCourt really believes MLB is responsible for the organization running out of cash when it is public knowledge that the Dodgers had a cash flow issue before the season even started and before MLB officially turned down the Fox media deal. Does Frank even acknowledge that taking $100 million out for personal use while piling debt on top of debt might have something to do with the cash flow issue? On second thought, maybe Frank is correct in blaming MLB. After all, it was Bud Selig/MLB that let him “buy” the Dodgers in the first place.

Hey Josh – How does it feel to be a part of the regime that has transformed the storied Dodgers, winners of six World Championships, into laughing-stocks that are now the equivalent of the Seattle Pilots?

Forgive us, Josh. We’re just very,really, way round the bend frustrated. You do a good job, and I hope you are allowed to continue when we are finally rid of McCourt.
I cannot imagine what that f**k is thinking. “Will no one rid us of this turbulent a**hole?” That’s Bud’s line.
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Looks like round one went to MLB.

I just wish all the headlines would cease using the word “Dodgers” and substitute “Frank McCourt” when speaking of the two sides involved. NOTHING about this bankruptcy or fighting MLB has anything to do with the Los Angeles Dodgers that I know and love.

I found this address for the judge in our bankruptcy case. I don’t know if it will help, but, I intend to let him know how I feel about Frank McCourt and his ownership of the Dodgers. It can’t hurt.
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United States Bankruptcy Court
District of Delaware
c/o Judge Kevin Gross
824 North Market Street
3rd Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
By JhallWally on July 7, 2011 1:58 pm –

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